By GEORGINA MICHAEL
YANGORU-SAUSSIA District in East Sepik Province will mark Independence Day with the launch of the inaugural Lomohangu Festival, its first major cultural festival in 50 years.
The festival will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and is expected to attract more than 15,000 people and over 40 cultural groups from across the province.
Local MP and Minister for Trade and Investment and PNG Power, Hon. Richard Maru, announced the programme on Friday, saying the district was ready to showcase its rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Cultural groups from Wosera-Gawi, Angoram, Ambunti-Dreikikier and Maprik districts are among those expected to participate.
Maru said the festival was part of efforts to revive traditional culture and values, with plans to make it an annual event and have it included in the national calendar of cultural shows and festivals.
“It is our intention to have the Hangu Music Festival annually and have it included in the national calendar of shows and cultural festivals,” he said.
“This is part of our efforts to revive our culture, as we are fast losing our traditional values.”
The winning cultural group will receive K10,000 in prize money, while all participating groups will also receive complimentary prizes.
The performances will be judged by the National Cultural Commission.
Minister for Culture and Tourism Hon. Magdalena Nama will be the Guest of Honour, alongside the Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Commission, the Head of UNESCO and the Chairman of the Teachers’ Service Commission.
Maru said the Teachers’ Service Commission chairman would also announce that more than 30 schools in the district had received school codes.
A major highlight of the celebrations will be the participation of the PNG Defence Force from Moem Barracks.
The Defence Force will conduct a full flag-raising and lowering ceremony, as well as a parade, as part of the Independence Day programme.
The district administration is also hiring PMVs to provide free transport for people within Yangoru-Saussia to ensure communities attend the festival.
“The military will man all four entry points into Yangoru, with 20 soldiers assigned alongside police. This is a time for our people to come and enjoy and celebrate,” he said.
The MP said the festival marks a new chapter for Yangoru-Saussia.
“Last year we marked 50 years. This year we are starting a new chapter for this country. We are very happy to host this program and we are inviting not only our people, but the whole of East Sepik to come to Yangoru and take part in this Independence celebration,” he said.